Security company shatters growth predictions and creates 500 jobs in two years

Today, Governor Rick Scott was joined by GardaWorld Cash Services President and Chief Operating Officer Christopher Jamroz to announce that GardaWorld has hired 500 employees throughout Florida just two years after moving its U.S. headquarters to Boca Raton Florida from California.

Governor Scott said, “During our mission to Canada that I led in 2011, I was proud to announce that GardaWorld’s USA headquarters was buying a one way ticket from California to Florida. While GardaWorld was initially going to create 100 jobs – they have quintupled their workforce by creating 500 jobs in the Sunshine State. To those who wonder whether our international missions work, we’ve got one message: IT’S WORKING.”

On day three of the June 2011 TEAM Florida mission to Canada, Governor Scott announced that GardaWorld, one of the world’s leading security companies, would move its U.S. headquarters from Pasadena, California to Boca Raton. The relocation created 100 new jobs and added $1.15 million in capital to the local economy. Florida was chosen over two other states, both with higher corporate income tax rates.

Ultimately, the company created a total of 200 new jobs at its Boca Raton location. Moreover, the company has hired an additional 300 people in its high security facilities and operations located in Miami, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa, bringing the total to 500 new jobs created.

“We are thrilled to have Governor Scott with us today, celebrating the continued growth of GardaWorld in the state of Florida”, said Chris Jamroz, President, GardaWorld Cash Services. “We are excited to be headquartered in a state that offers a large pool of skilled and educated workforce to support our continued growth. Our success is a testament to the dedication of our team, and the quality services we provide to help our customers to profitably manage the cash needs of their business.”

Florida already is home to some of the nation’s largest, fastest-growing and most diverse companies. Regardless of whether they are public or private, these companies are the foundation for the innovative, pro-business environment in the state. Five of the Forbes top 100 largest private companies are headquartered in Florida, in addition to 16 Fortune 500 company headquarters.

“I commend GardaWorld on their success and growth in our state. Florida’s talent pipeline is among the best in the country and GardaWorld’s ability to fill 500 positions over the last two years is a testament to the state’s competitiveness in workforce supply,” said Secretary of Commerce and president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Gray Swoope. “In addition to our workforce talent, it is also critical for a company like GardaWorld to have access to a highly-advanced infrastructure and Florida’s is among the very best in the nation.”

Palm Beach County’s economy has been among the most active in the state over the last year and its unemployment rate reflects that success. According to the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the area has recorded declining unemployment rates for 21 consecutive months and is currently at 7.2 percent, the lowest since October 2008.

“Today’s announcement that GardaWorld created 500 jobs in two years is proof positive that Florida is the best state in the nation for businesses to thrive,” said DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio. “GardaWorld took advantage of Florida’s perfect business climate and our strong, skilled workforce to continue the success and growth of their company.”

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About GardaWorld: Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, GardaWorld provides business solutions and security services around the world. Their 45,000 highly-trained, dedicated professionals serve clients throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Enterprise Florida, Inc. is a partnership between Florida’s business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida. Enterprise Florida’s mission is to facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.